Lemon Rice Recipe: Famous Karnataka Lemon Rice Recipe

Lemon rice is a popular South Indian dish which is very easy to make and its taste is also very delicious. If you want to make lemon rice at home, then definitely make lemon rice once by following our method. By using this recipe of you can make delicious lemon rice for family members. It is not only good in taste but also full of many nutrients. You can make it in the morning for breakfast, lunch and dinner as well. So let's know about lemon rice recipe.

Lemon Rice Recipe

Ingredients for making lemon rice: - 

• 1/4 cup lemon juice (fresh) 
• 1/4 teaspoon asafoetida 
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder 
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds 
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard oil 
• 1 tablespoon gram dal 
• 1 tablespoon urad dal 
• 2 cups cooked rice (cooled) 
• 2 tablespoons peanut seeds 
• 2 tbsp oil (coconut oil) 
• 2 to 3 fresh green chillies (sliced ​​lengthwise) 
• 1 to 2 dried red chillies 
• 10 to 15 curry leaves
• Salt according to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves (for garnishing) 

Read also: Gujrati Dal Vada Recipe

Lemon Rice Recipe: Easy way to make lemon rice: 

Step 1: Preparing the rice 

• Wash 1 cup basmati or any other long grain rice thoroughly till the water runs clear.
• Cook the rice in 2 cups of water till it becomes soft. Let it cool completely. You can also use already ready rice for this recipe. 

Step 2: Season the rice 

• Spread the cooled rice on a large plate.
• Add less than half a teaspoon of turmeric powder and freshly squeezed lemon juice to the rice. 
• Mix the rice gently so that the lemon juice and turmeric powder coat the rice well.

Step 3: Making the Tadka

• Heat 2 tbsp oil in a large pan or kadhai on low flame.
• When the oil is hot, add mustard seeds (rai) and let it crackle.

Step 4: Mix the spices

• When the mustard seeds start crackling, add half a teaspoon of cumin seeds, 1 tbsp chana dal and 1 tbsp urad dal. Fry it till golden brown. After this, add 2 tbsp peanuts and fry them till they turn crispy and light brown.

Step 5: Add green chillies and curry leaves

• Now add chopped green chillies, dried red chillies and curry leaves. Fry them till the chillies turn slightly crisp.

Step 6: Add asafoetida

• Add a quarter teaspoon of asafoetida to the tempering and fry for a few seconds.

Step 7: Mix rice and Tadka

• Add turmeric-lemon rice mixture to the tadka. Add salt as per your taste and mix them together gently.

Step 8: Cook for few minutes

• Cook rice on low flame for 2-3 minutes and keep stirring rice in between.

Step 9: Serving

• After rice is ready, add green coriander leaves to it. Serve hot lemon rice with pickle, raita or papad and enhance the taste of your meal.

Read also: Chhena Poda Recipe

Benefits of eating lemon rice:

• Baasmati rice is a huge source of carbohydrates, which helps to provides energy for body. It is low in fat and contains essential nutrients like vitamin B, iron and magnesium.
• Lemon is rich in vitamin C, which increases the immunity of the body and destroys eye and skin diseases. The citric acid present in lemon aids digestion and helps detox the body.
• Peanuts are a good source of protein and fat, which helps in muscle growth.
• Chana dal and urad dal are also full with protein, fibre and vitamins.
• Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties and is known for its health benefits.
• Mustard seeds, cumin seeds and curry leaves not only add flavour but also provide essential nutrients and antioxidants.

Read also: Besan Kadhi Recipe

Tips for Perfect Lemon Rice:

• Use fresh lemon juice for enhancing the taste of lemon rice. 
• Make sure the rice is completely cooled before mixing it with lemon juice and turmeric powder.
• You can increase or decrease the amount of green chillies and dried red chillies as per your requirements.
• Coconut oil is best used.

Variants of Lemon Rice:

Lemon rice can be made in many ways to suit different tastes and preferences such as:

1. Vegetable Lemon Rice: Add cooked vegetables like carrots, peas and beans to lemon rice to enhance both nutrition and colour.

2. Coconut Lemon Rice: Add freshly grated coconut to lemon rice to make it taste even sweeter.

3. Cashew Lemon Rice: Add cashews instead of peanuts to make it taste even richer and have a different texture.

4. Lemon Rice with Tofu: Add fried tofu pieces to lemon rice for a protein-rich vegetarian meal.

Read also: Rava (suji) Upma Recipe

Storing and Reheating Lemon Rice:

Lemon rice can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days without any problem. To reheat, sprinkle some water over the rice and heat it for a minute or two.

Conclusion:

Lemon rice is a simple & delicious dish that enhance your food taste. Its sour flavour, combined with aromatic spices, makes it a favourite of many. Whether you want to make a quick meal or a special dish for a function, lemon rice is a great choice. Try this recipe at home and enjoy the delicious taste and nutritional benefits of this South Indian dish. Don't forget to share this recipe with our friends and relatives.